2019 HRV gets 1.5T in Europe

[jred721]

Saw an article saying that apparently the U.S is stuck with a 1.8L engine for 2019 while the euro spec gets the 1.5 turbo. Its almost like Honda wants to shoot themselves in the foot and get rid of the HRV. What would make them think U.S buyers are not interested in a better engine?

Another kicker: they get an HRV sport with the 1.5 turbo and a 6 speed manual with performance dampers.

https://www.thetorquereport.com/honda/2019-honda-hr-v-arrives-in-europe-with-a-1-5l-turbo/


"Even if the 2019 Honda HR-V received a refresh, the one thing that it’s lacking here in the US is a better engine. Well luckily buyers in Europe will have a better option, since Honda has announced that the 2019 HR-V is now available with the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that’s available in the Civic and CR-V."

"The 2019 Honda HR-V Sport is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 179 horsepower that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission. In addition to the upgraded engine, the HR-V Sport also gets what Honda calls “Performance Damper” technology. The damper system is integrated at the front and rear of the car and works by counteracting the relative lateral and torsional movement through the chassis to keep the HR-V planted to the road with less body roll."

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[Dis4Damion]

Saw an article saying that apparently the U.S is stuck with a 1.8L engine for 2019 while the euro spec gets the 1.5 turbo. Its almost like Honda wants to shoot themselves in the foot and get rid of the HRV. What would make them think U.S buyers are not interested in a better engine?

Another kicker: they get an HRV sport with the 1.5 turbo and a 6 speed manual with performance dampers.

https://www.thetorquereport.com/honda/2019-honda-hr-v-arrives-in-europe-with-a-1-5l-turbo/


"Even if the 2019 Honda HR-V received a refresh, the one thing that it’s lacking here in the US is a better engine. Well luckily buyers in Europe will have a better option, since Honda has announced that the 2019 HR-V is now available with the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that’s available in the Civic and CR-V."

"The 2019 Honda HR-V Sport is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 179 horsepower that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission. In addition to the upgraded engine, the HR-V Sport also gets what Honda calls “Performance Damper” technology. The damper system is integrated at the front and rear of the car and works by counteracting the relative lateral and torsional movement through the chassis to keep the HR-V planted to the road with less body roll."

The HR-V will be fine here in the USA. Crossovers are an absolute obsession so Honda won't have any issue selling them. Given that the HR-V is fuel efficient and costs less than the CR-V, consumers who want practicality over performance will opt for it. If they want a turbo, there's the CR-V.

It's also worth noting that in many markets where the HR-V is sold abroad, the CR-V is not sold.

 

[jred721]

The HR-V will be fine here in the USA. Crossovers are an absolute obsession so Honda won't have any issue selling them. Given that the HR-V is fuel efficient and costs less than the CR-V, consumers who want practicality over performance will opt for it. If they want a turbo, there's the CR-V.

It's also worth noting that in many markets where the HR-V is sold abroad, the CR-V is not sold.

True, didn't think of it like that. Putting the 1.5 in the HRV would be rather redundant when the CRV has it.

 

[RobbJK88]

While desirable, the 1.5T is a bit redundant with the CRV here in the US. However, i think the HRV would be much better off come time for its full redesign if Honda went with the 2.0L from the base civics rather than the outdated 1.8. It'd have more power, better efficiency and probably solve most of the nagging issues people have with the HRV.

 

[SoCalCivicSI]

I wouldn't call the 1.5T the "better" engine until HONDA fixes the fuel dilution issue.

2,800 miles on my 18 SI and no signs of the fuel dilution yet, keeping a eye on it.

 

[RobbJK88]

I wouldn't call the 1.5T the "better" engine until HONDA fixes the fuel dilution issue.

2,800 miles on my 18 SI and no signs of the fuel dilution yet, keeping a eye on it.

2 years and 14k miles on my EXT and no issues yet. But it does seem to have been more of an issue on the CRV version (just from what i've read and seen online) with the larger turbo (shared with Si and base Accord)

 

[leehom]

Would be nice if Honda brought over the XRV. Love that exterior design over the HRV.

XRV design with 1.5T would make me go out and purchase one immediately.

 

[mar6o]

The news generated a buzz over here as well, but Honda seems to have priced itself out of making it a real seller.

For a car based on the Fit/Jazz (albeit with a longer wheelbase), the HRV commands a notable premium over the Civic here in Estonia, especially with the 1,5T.

So while the new manual 1,5T HRV starts off at 30.000€ (34.390$), a comparable manual 1,5T Civic hatch is just 23.000€ (26.360$). Even the list price for a top spec CVT 1,5T Civic undercuts the quoted HRV by 2000€ (2300$).

That's a difference few buyers will accept despite the fact that the market seems crazy for anything even remotely styled like an SUV/crossover.

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